Classic SIM cards remain the main method of connecting to mobile networks in Europe. However, this is a technology whose days could be numbered, since eSIMs could end up replacing them completelyoffering a greater number of advantages.
Beyond what this technology offers for making trips, its main advantage is that it avoids having to receive a physical element from the operator to start using the subscribed line. This would also facilitate other processes.
eSIM technology could eventually be present in the next mobile phone purchased, and in the future it could become the standard method for connecting mobile phones to carrier networks. Therefore, it is practical to understand this technology and its implications for the move away from physical SIM cards that have been in use for so many years.
What is eSIM
Traditionally, to have mobile coverage, operators send users small SIM cards, which have undergone several developments in recent years, which are inserted into a dedicated tray to give a signal to the device, which it whether it’s a smartphone, a phone, a watch or even a tablet.
The eSIM, for its part, is a digital version of this type of connectivity, which works thanks to a chip present inside the mobile phone and which, instead of requiring a physical card, only requires the installation of ‘a profile with the operator and the price. data to be used. This means that the portability process, when moving from one operator to another, can be much faster, since it will be enough to communicate to the operator the ICCID code of the mobile to associate it with the new line that you want to use.
Physical SIM card
iStock
Free Android
Logically, the process may still take some time, since there are portability steps that must be strictly followed, but at least you won’t have to wait for a card to be sent by mail. An ideal situation to use it can be while traveling, since it is possible to contract an eSIM to use it in a foreign country. In fact, on many mobile phones It is possible to use several eSIMs at the same time.
Another of its great advantages is that it helps avoid contamination, since it prevents the use of plastic to create SIM cards, in addition to saving on shipping and transport costs. It also prevents wear on the card tray pins, which can deteriorate over time.
How to use an eSIM
Although this is somewhat different from the usual practice of removing the old card and inserting the new one into the device tray, eSIM can be much more convenient. But the first thing to keep in mind is that The mobile must be compatible with this technology and I have a chip for that.
The operator to be hired must also have this type of service, as it is not something that everyone offers. Most of the main operators in Europe, like Vodafone, Movistar or Orange, They have the option of using eSIM. It is possible to use it with a prepaid or contract rate, and the replacement and activation to switch from a normal SIM to one of this type is free with some operators.
To be able to use it, simply request registration or portability from the operator concerned. After that, a document will be sent with a QR code that will take the mobile to the web address where You will be able to download your profile once it has been confirmed that it is activated in the company system. Once the profile is downloaded, you need to go to the Settings app. There you have to open Internet and networks and in the SIM section you have to click on Insert SIM card, which will start the configuration process.
On some mobile phones, you can even scan the QR code from this same section. At the end, you will have to put the PIN code that the operator sent you next to the QR. It must be taken into account that to carry out the initial configuration process of the eSIM, It is necessary to have a WiFi connectionone of its few disadvantages compared to a classic SIM card.
This may interest you
Follow topics that interest you
